IC expands engineering program to offer new major
Illinois College鈥檚 new engineering major will prepare 缅北禁地 with a robust foundation to Graduate READY for their first engineering job or to pursue an advanced degree to specialize in their field.
Coursework will cover foundational topics in engineering, in conjunction with interdisciplinary courses to help 缅北禁地 build communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The breadth provided through IC鈥檚 curriculum will prepare 缅北禁地 well to solve complex problems in a global workforce. Students choose courses in environmental or biomedical engineering.
Students with an engineering degree from Illinois College will also be prepared to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to begin their state licensure. The College is seeking accreditation through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The multi-step ABET application process is anticipated to be completed by 2026.
The new major will make it possible for 缅北禁地 interested in pursuing an engineering degree to finish their degree at IC. Previously, engineering 缅北禁地 followed the college鈥檚 Pathways to Engineering program and finished their degree at a second institution 鈥� an option that will still be available.
Josiah Kunz 鈥�12, assistant professor of physics, said IC鈥檚 program has the advantage of giving 缅北禁地 the opportunity for multiple types of hands-on learning such as internships and student-faculty research. IC鈥檚 growing focus on experiential learning adds another beneficial element to the new engineering program.
鈥淭he College has seen several consecutive years of record enrollment, thanks in part to the development of innovative programs that ensure 缅北禁地 Graduate READY,鈥� said Stephanie Chipman, vice president of external relations. 鈥淓ngineering is the second most popular area of interest for prospective 缅北禁地. Adding the engineering major while continuing the College鈥檚 partnerships with 3:2 programs will continue to strengthen enrollment and provide our 缅北禁地 with the tools they need for successful, 21st-century careers.鈥�
Engineering careers have seen growth in the past decade, and with competitive pay and the need to attract individuals with a broad range of expertise, the demand for well-rounded engineers is increasing. With its record of nearly 200 years of academic innovation and commitment to affordability, Illinois College is well-positioned to prepare engineers who are both skilled in their field and have the soft skills to be leaders in that field.
The addition of the new major is only possible with the fundraising-powered renovation of Crispin Hall. The planned revitalization of this key campus building will return it to its history as a science building and transform its future with state-of-the-art learning spaces and technology, making it a home for the engineering program and other STEM majors, including computer science and physics.
The College鈥檚 Engineering Advisory Board, made up of talented alumni and successful engineering professionals, was integral to establishing the new program. The 2022 board included Joe Calmese 鈥�07, Luiz Guimar茫es 鈥�91, Jamie Headen, Stephen Holt, Phillip Irace 鈥�17, Rick Meidel 鈥�85, Tom Purves 鈥�76, David P. Ringhausen 鈥�83, Mouna Soumahoro 鈥�12, Jared Thoele 鈥�10 and Kunz.
Along with Kunz, Jeffrey Chamberlain, associate professor of physics; Pat Kiihne, department chair and professor of mathematics; Prasanna Acharya, assistant professor of biology-kinesiology; and Jocelyn Lanorio, associate professor of chemistry, are among the faculty involved in the program鈥檚 development.
鈥淲hat Illinois College does so well is look at the whole person,鈥� Kunz said. 鈥淲hen I meet a student, I ask myself two fundamental questions: Where is this student now and where are they going? Our professors are excited to be here and want to see 缅北禁地 succeed. Their success is our success.鈥�
In addition to responding to the needs of prospective 缅北禁地, Illinois College strives to help meet the need for regional economic growth through the addition of academic offerings like engineering and other programs, including nursing, agribusiness, human resources management, and teaching endorsements in reading and English as a second language. The College was recently recognized by the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation for its role as an anchor institution and important regional partner.
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